New Style Top

[KGB911]

When I built HRL in 09 I modified the Factory Five hardtop to use the roadster windshield frame and supplied side glass and to do that required the incorporation of the A pillar and I installed a visor on it similar to a Model A. The "Look" was functional but still lacked what Dad wanted for HRL so I sold that top and started over with a much different concept. With a rendering I found on the net and help from Dave/Vman, a fellow forum poster, we created the following version.I have been working on this for the last six months and I am taking it to a local Fiberglass shop that is going to make me molds for the outside and inside so I can duplicate them. I started with the standard top and cut it all apart and removed the inner liner. I laid the back forward 1½” and I laid the B pillar forward to give that rake look and I made the front leading edge comply to the roadster windshield frame.I then installed a new inner liner and filled the top with foam to help solidify it and insulate it from heat and sound. I made stainless steel receivers that it locates on the body with and it uses four stainless steel latches to secure it to the car. It changes the “Look” of the car considerably and allows the car to change it’s personality in minutes!
Dr. Ruth

[MPTech]

That looks very cool. Love the rake and the fact that it works with the roadster windshield.
Have you considered doing a top for the C*br@ roadster? I think there's a good market for it if they turn out this well.

[cmsu]

I agree with MPTech if you could do a nice looking top for the Mark3. 3.1, 4 roadster at a reasonable price (less than what is out there) there would be a line ...........

[KGB911]

That looks very cool. Love the rake and the fact that it works with the roadster windshield.
Have you considered doing a top for the C*br@ roadster? I think there's a good market for it if they turn out this well.

Buy the way we can call it a Cobra! It's funny to me that you bring this up! I viewed a roll bar on some Mark lV at the resent 25 hours of Thunderhill pictures on this site and said Oh My God! What are these people thinking? Ok enough said about someones poor judgment!
Making a Top that flows with the stylish lines of the original AC roadster as been tried many times before and for whatever reason no one has ever pulled it off, No one!
I think it needs to be a double hump roof much like the old Abarth's which were copied on the Vipers and it would flow with the roll bars and stylish fender curves and the roof should not look like a pimple on a teenager! I could do it! I would need 3 prepaid orders at $2500.00 ea. and four months to make it happen.
Dr. Ruth

[riptide motorsport]

Incredible.....beautiful work!

[Vman7]

Dan, That looks awesome!! can't wait to see it finished and all painted :)

David

[KGB911]

Dan, That looks awesome!! can't wait to see it finished and all painted :)

David

Just posted your rendering on the wall and started cutting,grinding,filling,sanding,sanding,sanding and suddenly it appeared!
Thanks!

[Vman7]

Cool!! I forgot about the side wind screens I designed, are you going to do something like that as well?

oh btw didn't you start a web site somewhere?

[KGB911]

Double your pleasure Double your Fun! I forgot that many people viewing this site are not quite as old as yours truly when I referred to the Abarth. I was just six at the time but was a Car Nut having already been Racing for a couple of years and I saw one of these cute little cars at a race here in So-Cal, most likely at Paramount Ranch.It was a Cuttie! and the roof just stuck in my head all these years. It was a 1958 Abarth 750 Zagato Double Bubble Coupe. IMHO the bubbles would allow the roofline to stay low with the bubbles at the roolbars and the back glass concept will have to be played with but I am thinking a small back glass and no raparound. VMan can you play with this idea?
Just Thinking Out Loud!:cool:
Dr. Ruth

[Vman7]

Double your pleasure Double your Fun! I forgot that many people viewing this site are not quite as old as yours truly when I referred to the Abarth. I was just six at the time but was a Car Nut having already been Racing for a couple of years and I saw one of these cute little cars at a race here in So-Cal, most likely at Paramount Ranch.It was a Cuttie! and the roof just stuck in my head all these years. It was a 1958 Abarth 750 Zagato Double Bubble Coupe. IMHO the bubbles would allow the roofline to stay low with the bubbles at the roolbars and the back glass concept will have to be played with but I am thinking a small back glass and no raparound. VMan can you play with this idea?
Just Thinking Out Loud!:cool:
Dr. Ruth

Dan, are talking about for the '33 or Roadster? If it's the Roadster, I have thought of a few ideas in my head with the double hump idea as well as for the 65 Coupe.

[ehansen007]

The top looks really nice. Can't wait to see it painted and cruising around.

[Dennisb]

Have you come up with a solution for the power windows? Those of us on the wet coast (Pacific Northwest) really could use a glass option inside of just side curtains. I love the new rake to the roofline BTW

Dennis

[KGB911]

Have you come up with a solution for the power windows? Those of us on the wet coast (Pacific Northwest) really could use a glass option inside of just side curtains. I love the new rake to the roofline BTW

Dennis

The top is finished in black,grey,white or red gelcoat with hand laid fiberglass and has an inner liner and a black vinyl headliner. It is ready to scuff sand and paint and attaches with stainless hardware at four points. It is removable in seconds and does not arm the body finish. It uses a wing vent kit that is exclusive to this car that is made of Lexan with stainless steel hardware.The top kit comes with all the windows needed for inclement weather.We can remove the weatherstrip flange from the top for applications with no windows. You can PM or e-mail me for details at dan@innovativerodding.com
Happy Holidays
Dr. Ruth

[KGB911]

Pics with door in place for visual.
Dr. Ruth